DHL Group expands robotics partnership with Boston Dynamics

More than 90% of DHL warehouses now feature at least one automated or digital solution

DHL Group has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with robotics pioneer Boston Dynamics to scale up its automation strategy with the global rollout of over 1,000 additional ‘Stretch’ robots.

The move is part of a wider push by the logistics giant to embed robotics more deeply across its operations and expand use cases beyond container unloading.

Stretch, Boston Dynamics’ robot designed for automated case handling, has already been successfully deployed by DHL Supply Chain in North America, the UK and Europe.

Initial results have shown the robot can unload up to 700 cases per hour, helping reduce the need for physically strenuous work and boosting warehouse efficiency.

“Through our Accelerated Digitalisation agenda, we are committed to maximising the impact of robotics and automation across all our operations and business units,” said Sally Miller, Global CIO of DHL Supply Chain.

“It’s a fundamental shift that’s reshaping how we operate and elevate service for our customers.”

In the UK, DHL has trialled Stretch in conjunction with palletising and conveyor systems, a model the Group plans to replicate and evolve globally.

Case picking – one of the most labour-intensive warehouse tasks – has been identified as the next frontier for the robot.

The strengthened collaboration between DHL and Boston Dynamics will go beyond traditional supplier arrangements.

The two firms will co-develop, test and scale technologies within live logistics environments, with DHL providing real-world feedback to help tailor innovation to sector-specific challenges.

Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, said: “We are proud to continue strengthening our collaboration with DHL Group.

"Our teams have been on a journey of innovation together to create a practical and effective warehouse robotics solution, and this is the natural next step.”

DHL’s commitment to automation is reflected in over €1 billion invested in its contract logistics division over the past three years.

The company currently operates more than 7,500 robots across its global network and has integrated over 200,000 smart devices and nearly 800,000 IoT sensors into its operations.

More than 90% of DHL warehouses now feature at least one automated or digital solution.